PVC Heat Shrink Tubing for RC Battery Packs — Protect, Identify, and Rebuild with Confidence
If you've ever had a battery pack with torn, bubbled, or missing wrap, you know how quickly exposed cells can become a safety hazard — and how hard it is to find large-diameter heat shrink that actually fits. RC builders, battery rebuilders, and workshop technicians who work with LiPo, NiMH, and NiCd packs need a reliable, wide-format PVC heat shrink wrap that covers the full pack cleanly without splitting or leaving gaps.
This PVC heat shrink tubing is available in flat-widths from 110mm to 200mm (≈4.3" to 7.9"), corresponding to expanded diameters of approximately Φ70mm (≈2.75") to Φ127mm (≈5.0"). Each listing offers your choice of 1M (≈3.3 ft) or 5M (≈16.4 ft) rolls in up to 8 colors: Black, White, Blue, Red, Green, Fruit Green, Silver Gray, and Transparent. Select sizes are also available in a thickened wall variant for added durability. The tubing is made from PVC with a typical 2:1 shrink ratio, activating cleanly with a standard heat gun.
Typical use cases include re-wrapping RC car, truck, and drone battery packs after cell replacement; color-coding battery packs by cell count or capacity for quick field identification; and protecting rebuilt NiMH sub-C packs used in vintage RC vehicles. The wide size range also makes this tubing useful for wrapping large cylindrical objects in electronics repair and DIY electrical insulation projects.
🔋 Compatible with: LiPo · LiHV · NiMH · NiCd · Li-Ion battery packs — fits most RC car, truck, boat, and drone battery form factors with flat-widths 110–200mm.
✅ Key Features of These RC Battery Pack Heat Shrink Tubes
-
📏 Wide Size Range — Flat-widths from 110mm (Φ70mm / ≈2.75") to 200mm (Φ127mm / ≈5.0") cover virtually every standard RC battery pack size, from compact 2S packs to large 6S+ configurations.
-
🎨 8 Color Options — Black, White, Blue, Red, Green, Fruit Green, Silver Gray, and Transparent let you color-code packs by chemistry, cell count, or capacity for fast identification at the field or workbench.
-
🔥 Clean Heat-Gun Shrink — Activates at typically 90–120°C (194–248°F) with a standard heat gun, shrinking evenly around the pack without bubbling or splitting when applied with steady, sweeping motion.
-
⚡ Electrical Insulation — PVC material provides a reliable insulating layer over cell casings and solder joints, reducing the risk of shorts during handling, storage, and use in LiPo battery pack rebuilds.
-
📦 1M or 5M Roll Options — The 1M roll suits single-pack repairs or small builds; the 5M roll is designed for workshop use, battery rebuilders, and anyone wrapping multiple packs in a session.
-
🛡️ Thickened Wall Variants Available — Select sizes (135mm, 165mm, 170mm, 195mm) offer a thickened-wall option for packs that need extra abrasion resistance or a firmer grip on the cells during high-vibration RC use.
📐 Technical Specifications — PVC Heat Shrink Tubing for Battery Packs
| Material |
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| Flat-Width Range |
110mm (≈4.3") — 200mm (≈7.9") |
| Expanded Diameter Range |
Φ70mm (≈2.75") — Φ127mm (≈5.0") |
| Shrink Ratio |
Typically 2:1 |
| Activation Temperature |
Typically 90–120°C (194–248°F) |
| Available Lengths |
1M (≈3.3 ft) / 5M (≈16.4 ft) per roll |
| Wall Thickness |
Standard or Thickened (select sizes) — see variant options |
| Colors Available |
Black, White, Blue, Red, Green, Fruit Green, Silver Gray, Transparent |
| Compatible Battery Types |
LiPo, LiHV, NiMH, NiCd, Li-Ion |
| Recommended Application Tool |
Heat gun (low to medium setting); avoid open flame |
| Typical Use |
RC battery pack wrapping, battery rebuild, electrical insulation |
| Country of Origin |
Contact us to confirm |
⚠️ Size tip: The flat-width listed is the tubing measured flat, not the diameter of your battery. To find your fit, measure your pack's circumference and divide by 6.28 to get its diameter, then choose the next size up. When in doubt, size up — a slightly loose fit still shrinks cleanly; a too-tight fit may split.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right flat-width for my RC battery pack?
Measure the circumference of your battery pack and divide by π (3.14) to get its actual diameter. The flat-width (e.g., 110mm) is the tubing measured when laid flat, which equals roughly half the expanded circumference. As a general rule, choose a flat-width about 5–10% larger than your pack's diameter to ensure a snug, wrinkle-free result. For example, a pack with a Φ65mm cross-section typically fits well inside 110mm (Φ70mm) tubing. When in doubt, size up — you can always trim excess length, but you can't un-split a tube that was too tight.
What shrink ratio does this PVC tubing have, and is it enough for battery packs?
PVC heat shrink tubing generally has a 2:1 shrink ratio, meaning it shrinks to approximately half its expanded diameter when heat is applied. This is sufficient for most RC battery pack wrapping applications where the pack fills most of the tube's interior. If your pack is significantly smaller than the tubing's expanded diameter, consider sizing down or using a polyolefin tubing with a higher shrink ratio (e.g., 3:1 or 4:1).
What temperature and tool do I need to shrink this tubing?
A standard heat gun set to low or medium (typically 90–120°C / 194–248°F) is the recommended tool. Keep the gun moving in steady, sweeping passes around the pack to avoid hot spots that can cause bubbling or uneven shrinkage. Avoid using open flames such as lighters or torches — the localized heat is too intense and will damage the tubing and potentially the cells underneath.
Is this PVC wrap safe to use on LiPo, NiMH, and NiCd battery chemistries?
Yes. PVC heat shrink is chemically compatible with LiPo, NiMH, and NiCd cell casings and is widely used in the RC hobby community for battery pack rebuilds across all three chemistries. It provides electrical insulation and physical protection without reacting with the cell materials. Always ensure cells are at room temperature and not damaged before re-wrapping.
Can I use this heat shrink tubing outdoors or in wet conditions?
PVC offers moderate moisture resistance and is generally suitable for typical RC outdoor use — including bashing, crawling, and boating in light splash conditions. However, PVC is not rated for prolonged submersion or extended UV exposure, which can cause brittleness over time. For marine or fully waterproof applications, a dual-wall polyolefin tubing with an adhesive inner lining would provide a better seal.
How much tubing length do I need per battery pack?
For most RC battery packs, a length of 150–250mm (≈6–10 inches) is sufficient to cover the pack with a small overlap on each end for a clean finish. The 1M roll typically covers 4–6 standard-sized packs depending on pack length. The 5M roll is ideal for bulk rebuilds, workshop use, or anyone wrapping multiple packs in a single session.
Does the color I choose affect insulation or performance?
No. All color variants are made from the same PVC material and share the same electrical insulation and shrink properties. Color is purely aesthetic. Many RC hobbyists use different colors to distinguish battery cell count (e.g., blue for 3S, red for 4S), capacity, or charge cycle count at a glance — a simple system that saves time at the field.
When should I choose the Thickened wall variant over the standard wall?
The thickened-wall option (available in select sizes such as 135mm, 165mm, 170mm, and 195mm) is a good choice when your battery pack will experience high vibration, frequent handling, or contact with rough surfaces — such as in rock crawlers, short-course trucks, or competition builds. The added wall thickness provides greater abrasion resistance and a firmer grip on the cells. For standard sport or casual use, the regular wall thickness is generally sufficient.
🛒 Select your size, color, and length above, then add to cart — ships from our US warehouse.
